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Handbook |
CHEMAINUS ELEMENTARY COMMUNITY SCHOOL
A handbook for parents and students
Chemainus Elementary School School Hours:3172 Garner Street 8:50 a.m. to 2:49 p.m.
Chemainus, BC V0R 1K2 11:15 a.m. Kindergarten dismissal
Phone 246-3522 12:15 p.m. Afternoon Kindergarten
Fax 246-2867
This school handbook is intended for the use of parents, students,
and the staff and administration of Chemainus Elementary. It is a
reference guide, containing information which will be needed throughout
the year.
The staff extends a warm welcome to all students, especially those
who are new to our school. If you are a former student, you will
feel you are in familiar surroundings and we’re sure you will want to make
the new students, parents and teachers feel welcome.
We need to tell each other how we appreciate one another.
Even if we know it, it is some-thing we must say.
Each of you brings to Chemainus Elementary a unique combination
of energies, talents, and interests. The Primary and Intermediate
Programs nurture the continuing growth of children’s knowledge and understanding
of themselves and their world. The school provides a safe, caring,
and stimulating environment where learning flourishes.
Over the course of the year parents will be asked to be active
partners in the education of their child, and students will be asked to
reach, to stretch, to grow, and to take risks. When students do so,
they will discover that their education will be more rewarding, and they
will enjoy a greater feeling of self-worth. With hard work from everyone,
this will be a year to remember.
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Mrs. Joyce Bingham Div. 1 Grade 7
Ms. Annie Guilbride Div. 2 Grade 7
Mrs. Catherine Turner Div. 3 Grade 6
Mrs. Tanya Ellingson Div. 4 Grade 6
Ms. Tina Quinn Div. 5 Grade 5
Ms. Kelly Robertson Div. 6 Grade 4/5
Mrs. Laurel Hibbert Div. 7 Grade 4
Ms. Wendy Neilsen Div. 8 Grade 3
Ms. Shelly Mead Div. 9 Grade 3
Mrs. Sarah Horncastle Div. 10 Grade 2
Mrs. Devina Brookman Div. 11 Grade 2
Mrs. Lynn Russell Div. 12 Grade 1
Mrs. Jane Campbell Div. 13 Grade K/1
Ms. Sandi Purdell-Lewis Div. 14 & 15 KindergartenMr. Barkley Logan Principal
Mrs. Tina Quinn Vice Principal
Mrs. Eileen Ledingham Secretary
Mrs. Fran Pirie Librarian/Guided Reading/Technology
Ms. Julie Conroy Learning Assistance/Resource Teacher
Mrs. Barb Cleary Music Teacher
Mrs. Diane Herdman Counsellor
September 4th, 2001, saw the opening
of the new Chemainus Elementary School on Garner Street, the former site
of North Chemainus Primary. For the past 63 years Chemainus Elementary
was located on Severne Street which was the main building. Annex
schools grew up at Crozier Road and North Chemainus Primary during the
period before eventually being replaced.
In recent years, there has been a gradual
increase in student population and as the new school opened, slightly over
300 students were in attendance. The opening of a pre-school for
3 and 4 year old children and an after school care program provided by
the Boys and Girls Club were further developments for the community.
In September 2002, we welcomed students from Mt. Brenton School which closed due to budgetary restraints. The student population increased to over 400, making it one of the largest schools in the District.Learning
is a
Journey,
Not a
Destination
Chemainus Elementary School has a full size gym, a soccer field, an outside sports court and adventure playgrounds for primary and intermediate students.
The staff demonstrate a high level of
commitment to serving the needs of students, an active parent group supports
the school, and children at Chemainus Elementary grow up knowing their
community is a place of pride. As there is no community centre in Chemainus,
families have tended to look to the school for some community support and
programming.
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Chemainus Elementary School, in partnership with the community, will
foster a safe and caring environment which promotes positive self esteem
and helps students develop lifelong learning skills.
Philosophy
We are committed to guiding students to achieve their personal potential in academic and technology skills.
We are committed to providing a variety of experiences in fine arts and sports in order to encourage the development of a healthy lifestyle.
We are committed to helping students engage in positive actions to enhance the environment.
We believe in the shared use of resources and facilities of the school and the community.
We believe in the development of social skills and cultural awareness necessary for becoming a productive member of a multi-cultural society.
We strive to develop the physical and emotional potential of each child by emphasizing good health, safety, self-respect and the dignity of the individual.
Emergency Evacuation Drills
There are regularly held emergency evacuation drills for fire and earthquake.
All the children will be instructed in the procedures necessary to ensure
their safety.
Student Release Procedures
If an earthquake disrupts bus transportation, then all the students
will be released directly from the school into the care of a parent or
guardian. It is important that parents update emergency contact information
with the school as soon as changes occur.
School Closure for Inclement Weather
The School Board Policy states:
The Board will endeavour to keep all schools in the District open and
in session on all regular school days throughout the year. If inclement
weather or other conditions that endanger the health or safety of students
prevail, the Superintendent shall make the required decision and report
it to the Board Chair.
The Superintendent shall make all announcements including cancellation
of bus transportation. Announcements will be made over Radio Station
Sun FM 89.7, 100.3 CKKQ Victoria and CHUB Nanaimo.
Parents are asked to exercise their prerogative to keep their children
at home should the weather present unusual hazards.
Supervision
Students are asked to arrive at school no earlier than 8:30 a.m.
School Visitors
School visitors are requested to check in with the office when they arrive.
School Supplies
Basic primary and intermediate kits are provided in September. Parents will be notified when there is a need for additional supplies.
Lost and Found Items
The Lost and Found boxes are located in the school hallway outside the office. Students and parents are encouraged to check the items regularly. Items not claimed by the end of the school year are donated to a local charity.
Traffic Safety
. . . at Chemainus Elementary
The traffic and parking situation at Chemainus Elementary remains a
point of concern. Streets around the school are narrow and parents
are asked to be cautious of cyclists and pedestrians. Traffic on
school property is limited to School District and School staff.
After school, parents are asked to park on the adjoining streets, arriving
at 2:50 p.m. when the main congestion is usually over.
Illness or Injury
If a student becomes ill during the school day, we will contact the parent and make arrangements for the child to go home. Staff members may not administer medication to students.
Hospital Homebound Teacher
If your child is absent for an extended period owing to illness or injury, arrangements can be made for the district-based Hospital-homebound Teacher to provide individualized instruction and supervision in your home or hospital room.
Emergency Contacts
Each year emergency contact procedures will be set up at Chemainus Elementary.
These procedures use parent class representatives to phone parents of children
in the class should an emergency occur.
e.g. the late return of a field trip or early school closure.
Public Health Nurse
A public Health Nurse will visit the school if requested to do so.
Any immunizations will not be given without a signed parent consent
form. The Public Health Nurse may be reached at the Central Vancouver
Island Health Unit in Duncan (Phone: 709-3050).
Encourage with positive words. It is important to know what the school stands for, and to know what it will not stand for.
We have the right to be individuals
We have the right to be respected and treated with consideration and
kindness.
We have the right to express ourselves.
We have the right to be safe.
We have the right to achieve success.
We have the right to expect assistance if required, in achieving our
stated goals.
We have the right to be individuals
We have the right to be respected and treated with consideration and kindness.
We have the right to express ourselves.
We have the right to be safe.
We have the right to achieve success.
We have the right to expect assistance if required, in achieving our stated goals.
In Chemainus Elementary it is important that all students and parents are aware of our expectations. In general terms, our expectations can be stated very simply.
Behaviour
The rules are for the convenience of both students and staff to make the school a happy place of learning.
It is expected that everyone will treat the other members of the school with respect and courtesy.
It is expected that students will treat buildings and equipment with care.
For students who break the rules we have a progressive warning and counseling
program. If fighting is involved, we contact you immediately and
may send the students involved home for the day. If we continue to
experience problems, you will be advised immediately.
Playground
Playground rules help create safe and pleasant school grounds.
Students should:
Use all the play equipment in a safe, orderly, cooperative manner. All games are to remain “open”.
Play fighting, pushing, hitting or other dangerous play and tackling games will not be allowed at any time.
Students have the responsibility to come to school, on time, with the required supplies and material.
Students must observe the school behaviour code.
Students have the responsibility to allow others to work without being distracted.
Students have the responsibility to complete all forms of schoolwork (classroom, projects and homework) on time.
Students have the responsibility to become a significant determiner in their own education.
Students have the responsibility to come to school, on time with required supplies and materials.
Our Philosophy
We believe that:
Each individual is responsible for his or her own behaviour.
It is a responsibility of the school to teach, model and reinforce appropriate behaviour.
All behaviour has consequences.
The Rules
Be caring. Respect yourself, others and property.
Be Responsible and keep yourself, others and property safe.
Be Respectful. Students must be under the direction of a teacher or supervisor at all times.
Parents are invited to:
Be active partners in the education of their child.
Capitalize on daily opportunities to sustain and extend their child’s learning.
Model and demonstrate enthusiasm for learning.
Complement the teacher’s role by working with their child at home, (e.g. reading to and with their child; talking about school; and sharing their enjoyment and interests).
Become knowledgeable about the Primary and Intermediate Program, and support their child’s growth and development in all areas.
Take part in the life of the classroom or the school in a variety of ways (e.g. working in collaboration with the teacher; helping on field trips; acting as a resource person for a variety of personal, cultural, occupational or specialized interest experiences; and acting on a school advisory committee).
Maintain ongoing dialogue with the school to share and exchange information.
Education Plan
(Kindergarten to Grade 3)
The school provides a secure transition from learning at home to learning
at school. Children who enter kindergarten are generally inquisitive,
imaginative, active, and eager to learn. They enjoy exploring, experimenting,
and playing and working with others in a safe, stimulating environment
that promotes confidence in their ability to learn. Teachers organize
learning to accommodate the full range of children’s interests, learning
needs, and diverse social backgrounds.
In the Primary Years, students:
Study all required areas of learning, including language arts, social studies, science, math, personal planning, physical education, fine arts, and applied skills.
Learn basic skills in oral language, reading, writing and mathematics.
Begin to develop strategies for healthy living, become aware of good nutrition, maintain physical fitness, learn safety procedures, and develop an understanding of their personal responsibility to themselves, to others, and to the environment.
Begin to develop critical thinking, and decision-making and problem-solving skills.
The curriculum for these years is designed to:
Support the development of children aesthetically, socially, emotionally, intellectually, and physically.
Foster the development of imagination.
Encourage children to share, cooperate, develop friendships, and appreciate their own and others’ abilities and cultural identity and heritage.
Develop traits and attitudes that contribute to career awareness and development, such as taking pride in one’s work, working effectively with others, and understanding the relationship of work to everyday life.
(Grades 4 to 7)
Between Grades 4 and 10, students progress from childhood to adolescence. They experience physical, emotional, and intellectual changes. This period is characterized by fluctuation in behaviour, attitudes, and social growth and development. The influence of peers has an effect on their actions and decision-making processes. In the area of intellectual growth, they progress from concrete to abstract thought. This growth pattern varies widely in boys and girls as well as among individuals.
During the intermediate years, students need considerable support in
order to deal with the changes they experience. Flexibility in classroom
organization and methods of instruction is required to meet the challenges
of these critically important years in the school system. As students
move through the intermediate years, they develop competency in basic skills
and reach higher levels of proficiency in english, mathematics, science,
and social studies. In Grade 5, all students must begin to study
a second language. Curriculum in the intermediate years includes
theoretical concepts, as well as skills and knowledge that can be applied
to everyday life in the work place.
In the Intermediate Years, students:
Study language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, information and computer studies, applied skills, physical education and fine arts.
Develop their ability to solve problems, think critically, and make decisions.
Develop social and personal skills, good work habits, confidence, sense
of worth, and understanding of the value of physical and emotional well-being.
In the intermediate years, students begin to take more specialized courses
that are directed toward their personal and career goals. As they
move through the program, they have more opportunities to direct their
learning.
The curriculum for these years is designed to:
Emphasize basic areas of learning to increase student’s literacy and numeracy skills.
Introduce more formal personal and career planning and increase students’ responsibility for their learning.
Extend the development of creativity.
Use opportunities for learning that exists outside schools.
Develop a work ethic and further understanding of career opportunities
The co-curricular program at Chemainus Elementary Community School is a name used to describe all the programs that take place in the school outside the regular classroom activities. The aim is to produce programs which are a positive contribution to the learning process and which are sequential in development throughout the grades. Further, the programs are meant to interest students in school making it a happier environment for them and as a result reducing discipline programs. The co-curricular program involves the following:
Inter-School Sports
Chemainus will again be participating in the inter-school sports program with other schools in the district. Activities in this category range from track and field events to basketball championships. Involvement in sports is very important not only for the students, but for the school as a whole. Participation in the various sports is great “public relations” among parents and other schools. Parents are encouraged to help in these sports by driving to “away” games, assisting with coaching and general organizing of details such as uniforms and rides.
Intra-mural Program
The intra-mural program mainly affects intermediate students and it takes the form of “inter-house” competition within the school. All students are encouraged to get involved. Students earn points for their “house” by participating in noon-hour games, joining a club such as dance, chess or choir, or by earning bonus points as part of our motivational program. At the end of each term the “house” with the most points receives a special treat such as an afternoon swimming or skating. Students are involved in organizing and running these games.
Cultural Activities
In past years funds have been made available to bring performances to the School District. These funds may not be available this year, but various ways will be investigated to bring performance groups, such as drama troupes and music ensembles, to the school.
The music program for all students is under the direction of teacher
Barb Cleary. A Christmas concert, class performance and a choir are
just a few of the possibilities pursued each year.
Field Trips
All classes will have an opportunity to go on a day field trip at least once a year. Some of the trips will involve visiting sites within the local school community, while others will be further afield and involve bus or parent transportation.
Field trips outside the school district will be planned early in the school year and every effort will be made to follow a sequential program so that classes will visit different sites in each grade. Once bookings have been confirmed, a list of field trips will be drawn up and distributed.
Activity Periods
During the school year planned activity periods may include: swimming, skating, camping, bowling and skiing. Parents will be informed of these activities early in the school year.
Support Services
Support services for students in Chemainus Elementary will be found
in the School-based team. The team, depending upon the circumstances,
will be made up of:
The Learning Assistance Teacher
The Counsellor
The Speech and Language Pathologist
The teacher of the Hearing and Visually Impaired
The Administrative Officer
The Teacher Assistant
The Public Health Nurse
District Staff
The Classroom Teacher
Educational Resources
Computer Technology
Primary and Intermediate Libraries
Fine Arts
Field Trips
Students with Special Needs
Students with special needs are integrated into the regular classroom program. School District resource personnel provide support to the student, teacher and parent in this process.
Student Activities
The staff of Chemainus Elementary appreciates the importance of the extra curricular activities in a student’s education. Encourage your child to participate in a variety of activities, organized by the school and by organizations outside of the school, such as choir, drama, soccer, baseball, floor hockey, cross-country, basketball, volleyball, public speaking, and much more.
Ministry of Education guidelines for the Kindergarten to Grade 12 Education
Plan is the introduction of personal planning. At all grade levels,
personal planning furthers the development of knowledge, skills, and attitudes
that:
Enables students to plan effectively.
Further their career development.
Promote their personal health and social development.
Personal planning can provide a basis for linking instruction, assessment, evaluation and reporting. Students develop an understanding of themselves as learners by participating in activities such as self-assessment and student-parent-teacher conferences.
To this end, we at Chemainus Elementary also encourages students to
become involved in activities and take on responsibilities. As such,
we provide many opportunities for them to do so in the classroom or throughout
the school. Some examples of this include:
Taking notes home.
Remembering to bring things to school.
Serving as P.E. equipment monitors.
Housekeeping tasks in the classroom such as keeping desks and the coat
room tidy.
Monitoring the composting program.
Monitors for our recycling program.
Referees for “house” games.
Setting up for “house” games.
Library monitors.
Lunch monitors.
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Homework, like the responsibilities discussed on the previous page, is another way of learning responsibility.
Out-of-class assignments given by your child’s teacher are designed to:
Reinforce the understanding of topics discussed in class.
Provide practice.
Serve as preparation for future classes.
Complete work not finished in class.
The Ministry of Education has no set time guidelines for student homework. Your child’s teacher may be contacting you early in the school year regarding homework projects and assignments, giving information about the purpose, topic and due date
Students will receive three structured written reports during the school year. These reports will include information on what the student can do, what the student needs to work on and how the student can be supported in his/her learning.
In the primary grades, teachers are required to make reference to where a student stands in relation to the "expected learning outcomes” for a child in the same age range. This can be done either in writing or orally.
Early Intermediate reports (Grade 4 to 7) must use both a structured written report and letter grades. The letter grade scale includes A, B, C+, C, C-, and F, as well as the designation I. The I code is used when a student is making progress, but requires additional time to meet course requirements.
When an I is given, it is required that the teacher provide the student with a specific learning plan to assist him/her toward the achieving of satisfactory results.
Perhaps the most significant change to
consider when reading your child’s report card is that all of these
reporting requirements are designed to discuss the progress of the
student compared to criteria set for each subject and not against
the other students in the same class. In this method, specific
expectations are set out to achieve each grade. These criteria
are discussed with the students so that everyone is clear on what
the requirements involve. Students may even participate in
setting the criteria.
Parent Helpers
The teachers welcome parent helpers in various capacities into the school. This help can enrich the education environment. Teachers will be reminding you of the need for confidentiality within the school.
Parent Advisory Council (PAC)
The Parent Advisory Council provides parents with the opportunity to work with other parents in participating in the operation of the school complex. Parent involvement can enhance the learning environment for students. PAC acts as a liaison between all children and their teachers, school, and district personnel. Parent input is valuable in determining school policy, and in planning activities which fund raise to furnish classroom and playground needs, resource materials, field trips, computer equipment and software, and the “Safe Arrival” program.
Your support will be very welcome. Please contact the office of the school for the meeting times.
More information is available on the PAC webpage.
Feedback
Feedback from parents on our school programs is welcome. We will make every effort to respond to concerns and we value your comments.
Parent Volunteers
Parents are welcome as helpers and leaders in numerous programs and extra curricular events. Volunteer drivers are essential for our local field trips. Vehicles must have $1,000,000.00 liability insurance, seatbelts for each passenger and a copy of the driver’s insurance and license must be on file in our office. Teachers will be reminding you of the need for confidentiality within the school. Parent drivers are asked to provide a record or “abstract” of their driving record. This is available for free at the Duncan “Access Centre”.
Fundraising
Funds raised by parents are used to support many school programs such as field trips, computers, visiting artists or special guests. Funds are raised through grocery receipts, hot-lunch programs, Spring Fair, Breakfast with Santa and Bingo.
District Parent Advisory Council
Chemainus Elementary Parent Group is a member of the DPAC. Meetings are held once a month and dates, times and minutes of monthly meetings are posted on the Parents’ Notice Board in the main hallway of each school.
School Newsletters
School newsletters are sent home at the beginning of each month with the youngest or only child in the family. These newsletters inform parents of special events, school plans and dates to note as well as school and educational news.
Teacher's letters
Classroom teachers explain class expectations, curriculum and upcoming events via letters directly to the parents of students in their classes. These are written as the need arises.
Student Progress Reports
In addition to the formal written reports of November, March and June, your child’s teacher will provide informal reports on your child’s progress. These may be in the form of a phone call, a conference or a portfolio of work.
Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences
All parents are invited to a conference with the teachers in November
and in March. Students are encouraged to attend these meetings.
We encourage parents to keep in touch with the school.
Notes from Parents to Teachers
We appreciate notes that parents send to update us on reasons for absence, being excused from physical education, medical problems, transportation changes, updates for office records or family emergencies which may affect student learning.
Student Agendas
Grades 4—7 students. Parents and teachers can communicate through the student agenda booklets.
Students are entitled to transportation if they are in Kindergarten to Grade 3 and live more than 4.0 km, or in Grade 4 to 12 and live more than 4.8 km by the nearest passable road from a public school.
The provision of transportation for special needs students shall be dealt with on an individual basis.
The students who use this service are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous, cooperative manner and follow the instructions of the bus driver.
Bus service is made available to students who live within the designated “walk limits” provided there are spare seats on existing routes.
Cowichan Valley School District transportation regulations specify that when requests for transportation by optional riders exceed the space available, priority will be given based on the student’s grade placement and distance from the school Preference is given to students in Kindergarten to Grade 3.
For more information contact the Transportation Department at 748-1066.
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Page composed April 25, 2005.